Tag Archive for: Gold

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold: Origin Amenity Solutions has announced that the company is now a gold member of the BIGGA (British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association) Regional Patron Scheme for 2023.

As part of the scheme, Origin Amenity Solutions, a leading supplier to the UK amenity, turf, and sports markets, will attend and support BIGGA in their regional events across the UK, which will include a mix of seminars, education workshops and golf days.

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

Origin Amenity Solutions go for gold

Origin Amenity Solutions brings together four well established industry leading brands, Headland Amenity, Rigby Taylor, Symbio and Turfkeeper to offer greenkeepers and groundsmen access to a single supplier for all the advice and products needed for a robust management programme. The group is supported by a number of agronomists, product specialists and a Research and Development centre to offer their customers a unique holistic approach.

Commenting on the scheme, Commercial Director Andy Russell said: “We are a resolute supporter of BIGGA and of raising the profile of greenkeepers within the industry. It is important that schemes like this exist to provide learning and networking opportunities for members and peers across the industry and I am proud to support the Regional Patron Scheme. Our national coverage will allow us to support events across all five regions.”

Lauren Frazer, Head of Business Development at BIGGA, adds, “Origin Amenity Solutions are a Premium Partner of BIGGA and support many events and initiatives.  I am delighted that they are involved with the Regional Patron Scheme – it’s always good to see a market leader and big brand name give something back and lend their support to such worthwhile schemes. Education and training opportunities are essential for the professional development of our members and the Origin team has a lot of experience and knowledge to share.”

For more information visit www.originamenity.com

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Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!: The Burpee Europe team are relentless in their mission to breed varieties of magnificence with which to tempt home gardeners everywhere! And this year they have done it again!  

The brand new, compact sunflower ‘Desire Red’ is so fabulous that it has won a much coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal, scores are awarded for outstanding innovation, beauty and garden performance.

Sunflower 'Desire Red' wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

Sunflower ‘Desire Red’ wins Fleuroselect GOLD!

A truly stunning breakthrough in sunflower breeding, this is the first compact red variety suitable for planting or sowing in both beds and borders as well as in larger patio containers. This winner can be cultivated very successfully as a high-quality pot plant, especially in 3-litre containers, but is also suitable for production in smaller pots.

Plants flower for a period of 6-8 weeks and have proven performance from Sweden to Southern Italy in Fleuroselect Trials.  This sensational dwarf Helianthus dazzles with its innovative, unique deep red flowers.  This high performer is an early, profusely flowering variety, new blooms form continuously on its multiple branches well into autumn, and blend wonderfully with its dark green foliage.

This sunflower is perfect for pollinators, who will be able to enjoy the long flowering time.  ‘Desire Red’ makes a very attractive combination with Burpee bred ‘Sunray’ or ‘Tiger Eye’ and adds a deep red to the sunflower palette.

Seeds are available now from Plants of Distinction, with additional seed companies selling ‘Desire Red’ soon

Burpee Europe do not sell direct to the consumer, but their seeds are sold via top UK seed companies. Details of these on request from rabbitattackpr@gmail.com or 07895184395

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Green-tech takes the Gold for the BALI Chalk Fund

Green-tech takes the Gold for the BALI Chalk Fund: Green-tech is showing its support for the industry by becoming a champion advocate for training and development in the landscaping sector.

The British Association of Landscape Industries launched its BALI Chalk Fund last year; the trust offers programmes designed to make people in industry more employable. Throughout the past year, the trust has successfully donated cash prizes to many of the best performing landscape students in colleges across the UK.

Green-tech takes the Gold for the BALI Chalk Fund

Green-tech takes the Gold for the BALI Chalk Fund

As the leading supplier to the landscaping industry, Green-tech has renewed its Gold Champion membership to continue its support and dedication to the future generations of the landscaping industry.

Richard Gill, Sales Director at Green-tech explains, “The opportunities that the BALI Chalk fund has provided in its first year has been really beneficial for the people in the industry. It has been great to see how Green-tech’s commitment to the Fund has vitally improved the skills of those who will be joining our sector, which is why we are proud to renew our commitment for a further year.”

Chalk Fund Trustee Richard Gardiner adds “It has been great to see how much Green-tech understands and believes in the importance of our Trust, which is why we are delighted they are renewing their support as a Gold Champion member for the second year running. The support that Green-tech provides to the Fund helps save future employers thousands of pounds in training, whilst providing people with the skills to become more employable, something that is vital within the industry.”

The Champions scheme provides an opportunity to invest in the education, training, motivating, and equipping of the next generation of landscape professionals through a tiered support system.

The Bronze is an affordable £250 per year and will ensure five students will leave college with a LISS/CSCS SmartCard and are ready to go on-site, this is a saving to future employers of around £600.

To become a Silver Champion costs £500 per year and is equal to the prize money awarded annually to the BALI Chalk Fund National Landscape Student of the Year.

Gold Champion is the choice for Green-tech; it is the highest tier and costs £750 per annum. It will help save future employers thousands of pounds.

All funds raised will help invest time, money, knowledge, and skills with the hope it will save thousands of pounds a year for many landscaping businesses who struggle with recruitment and retention.

Green-tech is a staunch supporter and investor in the industry and its future. They lend their support to various other charities, schemes, and funds as well as the BALI Chalk Fund. Green-tech currently support the Perennial Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, the ProLandscaper 30 under 30 next generation initiative and a whole host of awards including being the headline sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards.

If you are interested in becoming a Chalk Fund Champion, alongside Green-tech then visit www.balichalkfund.org.uk/become-a-champion/.

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Littlestone GC strikes gold

Littlestone GC strikes gold: In 2021, Littlestone Golf Club in Kent became a Toro Total Solutions customer by upgrading its fleet with Toro machinery and investing in a Toro Lynx Central Control irrigation system. Now it has safeguarded its machinery investment by signing up to Reesink’s ReeAssure Gold maintenance scheme for the all-round perfect deal.

Head greenkeeper Chris Barnard says: “There were plans to alter the courses by redesigning the bunkers with the help of architects and building new tees, and the timing of that fitted well with upgrading the irrigation system as well as requiring a sturdy, multi-functional fleet to make things as quick and efficient as possible.”

Littlestone GC strikes gold

Littlestone GC strikes gold

With so much to do and a new 23 machine deal including cylinder mowers, rotary mowers, aerators, topdressers, sprayers and utility vehicles, the Club subsequently added the ReeAssure maintenance and servicing scheme to the deal to look after the entire fleet of new and old machines.

Chris says: “With all the maintenance the team was taking on that occupied a lot of their time, coupled with not having a specialised mechanic or indeed staff trained in specific areas meant we were only able to deal with basic things and not with repairs or replacements. That would require outside help and that’s where Reesink came in.”

The Gold plan includes unlimited visits, covers all breakdown and call-out costs, only uses Toro genuine parts and covers all electrical components. Reesink’s South East Sheffield Park branch is providing the support and Chris has nothing but praise for the service so far.

He says: “They’re very helpful, we just need to give them a call and they’ll be there. They know what they’re talking about, know the machines inside out, and can find the problem right away whereas it would take us much longer to do so. Since most of the Toro machines now have new technology, they also require a bit more knowledge to fix. The Reesink guys will have it figured out in 15 minutes or less just by using their laptops. It’s so much easier to delegate that to them so we can focus all our work on the courses.”

Littlestone Golf Club already had a very good long-standing relationship with Reesink having acquired most of its fleet from the distributor a few years previously. After the agreement came to an end, the club decided to continue with the distributor and renew again for two reasons: the trust that it would be a good partnership and the desire to continue with Toro.

Knowing the quality the brand offers in its machines, the club chose to invest in its irrigation products opting for the Lynx Central Control system for its upgrade. The irrigation system optimally manages water and resources through a convenient app and is currently being installed.

“It’s an exciting thing to be at the club, looking at it with a fresh pair of eyes and making a difference,” Chris concludes. “Hopefully, with the help of Reesink, we can now focus on all the planning we have going on and getting the work done faster knowing everything else is taken care of.”

Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more about Reesink ReeAssure maintenance plans.

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Carbon Gold wins eco-friendly product award

Carbon Gold wins eco-friendly product award: Carbon Gold, the leading supplier of biochar products to professional growers, tree care specialists and gardeners around the world, has been announced as the winner of the Eco-Friendly Products Award in the 2021 Great British Growing Awards.

The award-winning range, which includes environmentally friendly compost, seed compost, fertiliser, soil improver, tree soil improver and lawn improver, is made using biochar, a high-carbon form of charcoal that is proven to boost plant health and vitality when used in soil.

Carbon Gold wins eco-friendly product award

Carbon Gold wins eco-friendly product award

As well as benefiting plant development, Carbon Gold’s biochar-based products also have a direct impact on the user’s carbon footprint. For every kilo of biochar put in the ground, three kilos of harmful CO2 are permanently sequestered from the atmosphere, helping professional and home growers to directly counter the effects of climate change.

The Great British Growing Award winners were announced during an official award ceremony at Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living show. The prestigious awards were presented by presenter and author, Ellen Mary, and recognise the very best of the gardening industry, from sustainability stars, through to seed suppliers and gardening writers.

Mike Hartshorn, Managing Director of Carbon Gold, comments: “We are delighted to have been selected as the winner of the best Eco-Friendly Products Award. The Great British Growing Awards are renowned within the industry as the ultimate symbol of quality within the gardening sector, so to be recognised as part of the awards as a leader in eco-friendly gardening is fantastic.

“At Carbon Gold, we understand the impact that that gardeners and horticulture professionals can have on the environment and are passionate about ensuring that it is a positive one. If every gardener in the UK ditched the peat-based products and converted to biochar, we’d be making significant steps toward offsetting our carbon emissions. Our mission is to help more and more people to discover the benefits of sustainable gardening, and this award marks an incredibly positive step in this process.”

For more information about Carbon Gold, visit https://www.carbongold.com/

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300 acres, one gold service

300 acres, one gold service: With 300 acres of grass to maintain, there was no doubt that Glenbervie Golf Club in Scotland, needed the support of the Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance plan.

Paul Todd, course manager at Glenbervie Golf Club, opted for the scheme to ensure the club’s large fleet of Toro mowers and machines remained in premium condition in order to maintain the pristine standards the club and its members were accustomed to.

300 acres, one gold service

300 acres, one gold service

Paul comments: “Our course can experience some pretty wet weather so our fleet needs to remain in excellent working condition to face the challenges presented by the elements.

“With a site of 300 acres of mature parkland, reliability and quality of cut are key factors. We implement a full PGR programme across all areas of the course and the Multi Pro 5800 sprayer had been vital for allowing us to do this effectively and efficiently.

“Our excellent relationship with Reesink ensures that we minimise down time and maximise the efficiency of the fleet. If we have any problems I know I can expect to see a Reesink representative on the same day. The quality of the scheme is second to none and it doesn’t matter if we need new parts, routine servicing or repairs, it’s taken care of.”

With Gold, Silver and Bronze package options, Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance scheme gives customers ultimate flexibility to select a service level that fits with their budget.

Paul and his team opted for the Gold package over five years ago and they still reap the financial benefits of signing up to the scheme. Paul continues. “I always know where we are in terms of cost and that’s enormously reassuring. Knowing that the package is so comprehensive means I can be confident I won’t be hit with big maintenance bills.”

Working with Rab Wilson at the Reesink Livingston branch in Scotland, Paul feels totally reassured. Together they have built up a good rapport which Paul cites as one of the most important aspects of the scheme: “I know I can count on Rab and his team to respond quickly if we have any problems. It’s a very good one-to-one service and having people you can rely on is vital to us. It’s a really good relationship – I can’t fault it.”

Rab comments: “The plan provides ultimate reassurance to customers such as Paul who maintain a very large fleet all year round. We take the stress out of arranging new parts and electrical components, servicing, breakdown support and machine health checks.

“Labour, parts and consumables are all included, so this comprehensive package of support provides a manageable upkeep programme which we take care of. It leaves customers like Paul with more time to focus on their day jobs and perfecting the golf course which his members value so much.”

Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more about Reesink ReAssure maintenance plans.

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Gold standard for the white cliffs

Gold standard for the white cliffs: With a patch that covers 123 square miles, it’s no surprise that Dover District Council opted for Reesink Turfcare’s ReeAssure maintenance scheme for ultimate peace of mind.

Dave Terry, supervisor at Dover District Council, simply couldn’t afford to have his Toro fleet out of action – especially since each mower was required to be in operation for 25-30 hours each week.

Gold standard for the white cliffs

Gold standard for the white cliffs

Having Gold cover meant that Dave could expect routine maintenance and servicing along with unlimited call outs for vehicle breakdowns or repairs.

Dave explains: “When you’re working with machinery it’s inevitable that from time to time you’ll experience glitches or need to make repairs – it happens. Yet whenever I need assistance, I know I’ll have a Reesink representative on the doorstep the next day.

“We probably rely on them a couple of times each month and the security of having dependable, high-quality support more than pays for itself.

“If you don’t opt for cover then you could be subjected to hundreds of pounds of maintenance on a totally ad-hoc basis and we can’t take that risk or threaten having machines out of action for long periods of time.”

This is why the Reesink maintenance plan is so integral to large grounds teams or estate management organisations, as Peter Clarke, service manager at Reesink’s Sheffield Park branch, explains: “A monthly fixed-cost means there’s no hidden extras and with three packages to choose from – gold, silver and bronze – there is something to suit all budgets.”

Dave and his team at Dover District Council opted for the Gold maintenance plan and they continue to value the relationship they have with Reesink more than four years on.

Dave continues: “Reesink is a proper dealer. They don’t cut corners and they’re reliable and professional. When you have lots of public space to take care of, be it green spaces around housing estates or parks in the district, it’s important for us to partner with an operator we can trust.”

Thanks to Dave’s relationship with both Peter Clarke and Peter Biddlecombe, aftersales manager at Reesink’s Sheffield Park, he has peace of mind that his teams are able to do their job as efficiently as possible.

Reesink take care of everything from winter servicing, replacement parts or general upkeep. Knowing that components such as labour and parts to consumables and disposal fees are all covered within the cost of the Gold package provides straightforward cost managing and budget control.

With Reesink’s ReeAssure plans there’s the option for warranty programmes and the guarantee that buying Toro comes with buying into a support network like no other. The parts backup is second-to-none and as a Toro customer you are never more than a maximum 72-hours away from the part you need, for minimum downtime and maximum productivity.

Call 01480 226800 or go online at reesinkturfcare.co.uk to find out more.

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Carbon Gold exceeds target

Carbon Gold exceeds target: Carbon Gold, the world’s leading supplier of biochar to gardeners and professional crop growers alike, has surpassed its crowdfunding goal of £200,000, raising a total of £722,468.

The company began fundraising in December 2020 to increase its retail marketing efforts, and fund international development and manufacturing. In just one month it has attracted over 1,000 investors, far exceeding the initial funding target.

Carbon Gold exceeds target

Carbon Gold exceeds target

Founded by Craig Sams, ex-chairman of the Soil Association and founder of Green & Blacks Chocolate, Carbon Gold has built a strong reputation, providing biochar products to gardeners as well as commercial crop growers, professional tree care experts, sports turf greenkeepers and even competition veg growers.

The Crowdcube initiative was spurred on by an incredible year for Carbon Gold’s retail offering to home-growers and gardeners, who are increasingly discovering the benefits of biochar, with retail sales increasing 253% in 2020.

Managing Director Mike Hartshorn, says, “We’re thrilled to have shot past our fundraising target by over half a million pounds.  It’s fantastic that the company’s story and our biochar products have been so well received by investors and the general public.”

“2020 was a tough year for people, and the various lockdowns put a lot of strain on them.  But those lucky enough to have a garden were spending more time outside and were researching what products to use and it seems lots of them have unearthed the best kept secret of the professionals – biochar.”

Biochar is a high-carbon form of charcoal that is Soil Association approved for organic growing, peat-free and scientifically proven to boost plant health and vitality.  Plants grown in biochar have been shown to be more resistant to a wide range of plant diseases and pests.  It’s also so high in carbon that using it lowers your carbon footprint: for every kilo you put in the ground, 3 kilos of CO2 are permanently sequestered from the atmosphere.

Craig Sams says, “Every investor is a potential customer and an ambassador for the brand.  There is no recommendation like peer-to-peer recommendation.  We are delighted to have a body of satisfied customers as well as investors to support our future growth.”

For more information about Carbon Gold or its biochar products, visit, www.carbongold.com.

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Vincent Tractors attain gold plus status

Vincent Tractors attain gold plus status: Vincent Tractors & Plant, has been awarded Gold Plus for Kubota Dealer Service Excellence.

Now in its 53rd year in business, Vincent Tractors & Plant, a family owned machinery dealer with branches in Fraddon, Holsworthy and Smithaleigh, near Ivybridge, is the only full line dealership in the country to achieve this status.

Vincent Tractors attain gold plus status

The awards, which are assessed and presented every two years by Kubota, are based on dealer equipment, facilities, commitment to training and, most importantly, customer service.

The Kubota customer satisfaction survey is submitted to customers after every product sold and is used to rate the service department of every Kubota dealer.

“This fantastic achievement reflects our team’s hard work and ‘customer first’ commitment“, remarked Paul Vincent, Vincent Tractors & Plant managing director.

“I would like to thank all the team at Vincent Tractors & Plant for their diligence and dedication. The industry is going through tremendous change and we are working hard to innovate to ensure we can meet and exceed our customers’ requirements and expectations.

“Not all the team are able to be here today to receive this award but I’m happy to do it on their behalf.  It’s been a real team effort across all three depots to achieve this level of service!”

Rob Wilkins, Kubota’s regional service manager, remarked, “I have been working with Vincent’s for a number of years now and in last five years they have raised the bar with regards to the level of service they offer to their customer as well as their commitment to their own team.  We have had our challenges but we have worked together to resolve them.”

Full line Kubota dealerships supply and service agricultural tractors and implements and Kverneland implements, compact tractors and ride on mowers as well as the construction range of excavators, loaders and tracked dumpers.

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Carbon Gold & Carbofex Join Forces

Carbon Gold & Carbofex Join Forces: Biochar companies Carbon Gold and Carbofex have signed an MOU to establish a commercial agreement that will strengthen both companies’ position in the UK and European markets.  

Carbon Gold, the world leading supplier of biochar to commercial crop growers, tree care specialists and sports turf professionals in the UK and Europe, has partnered with Finland-based Carbofex, industrial-scale biochar manufacturer with proprietary technology that allows for the production of very pure (low PAH) and active (600 m3/g) biochar, certified by the EBC and with access to the PURO CO2 removal marketplace.

Carbon Gold & Carbofex Join Forces

The collaboration will see Carbon Gold and Carbofex agree terms on the production and distribution of biochar, the ownership of the resulting carbon credits, and other potential synergies or commercial opportunities which may benefit both companies.

Simon Manley, CEO of Carbon Gold, says, “We’ve long been friendly with Carbofex and this partnership comes at a really critical time for both companies.  We’re both looking for investment to scale up, and this joint venture makes us more attractive to potential strategic investment partners.  And with a no-deal Brexit becoming ever more likely, having manufacturing bases in the UK and mainland Europe is invaluable for both parties.  Carbofex is a trail blazer in Europe and we’re thrilled to be working with them more formally.”

Sampo Tukianen, CEO of Carbofex, says, “We’ll both gain access to new markets as a result of this collaboration. Carbon Gold is the leader in biochar and Carbofex will benefit greatly from the products, science, branding and market reach they’ve established over the years.  And our EBC certification and registration with PURO for carbon removal trading brings new routes to market for Carbon Gold.  It’s very exciting.”

For more information, visit www.carbongold.com.

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